The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1887-10-01
A MYSTERIOUS TOUCH.
A Victims Choice as Between
rheumatism and Ghosts.

In my researches through some old
manuscripts, recently chanced upon
the following story. As yet | can not
definitely fix the authorship, but my
suspicious point all in one direction.
Should they be realized after further
investigation, shall have no hcsitancy
in giving his name. Here is the story,
precisely rs it appeared in manuscript
which apparently has never before
seen the light:
''It has long been n theory of mine
that there is n natural explanation for
every occurrence, however out of the
course of nature it may seem TO the
casual observer Acting upon this
theory | have devoted years to the
study of so-callcd supcrnaturalsm.
Little has been published upon the sub
icct that have not read. My library
j. filled with such works rs Owens
FOOTBALLS on the Boundary of Another
World, Bulwcr's Strange Story,
Davis Great Harmonic, Edmonds'
'Spiritualism, and the writings Of
Swcdcnborg From the weird legends
of the lIartz Mountains To DrummOnd's
Natural Law in the Spiritual World,
there is little with which | am not
familiar. Any thing bearing even in
directly upon supcrnaturalism or the
spirit world is of interest To me.
The study of myths, fairies. ghosts
and goblins is one of rare fascination.
One enjoys n skillfully-told ghost story,
even while he laughs at the idea of n
ghost. Who darcs not experience a
thrill of interest upon reading Dickens
Thirteenth Juror The Signalman.'
or Bulwcr's The Haunted and the
llauntcrs P Human nature naturally
inclincs 10 the love of the marvellous
and supernatural. and the rehearsal OF
such tales has made certain writer's
famous.
II can not say that my study Of
supcrnaturalism has led to any definite
result. have not made any rcmarka-
BILE discoveries, but have had some
experiences that mystiiied me. Among
them was one of apparently an mex
plicablc nature, which il Is here my
purpose To relate.
II remember once, some years ago,
while seated in my study, bending
over desk. II hand was laid upon my
shoulder. 1t was my wife's custom
(my late hours bothered Laura) To
rouse me at times in this manner. and
when | turned in answer To the sum-
mons. il was with the expectation OF
seeing her behind my chair. Turning
slowly about answered Coming,
Laura. To my amazcmcnt the room
was empty! had heard no football.
no voice, hut had merely felt the touch
of hand upon my shoulder; gentle,
il is true; light, rs Laura's touch
always is, but uumiStakable; | had
not been in "A dose. it was not fancy (;
! had been touched hy hand.
II confess that upon turning around
and finding nothing, was startled. |
sat moment in thought, seeking To
bring the occurrence within the range
of comprehension. My brain was
clear. every faculty active. Going to
the door. opened it and called up the
hallway in low voice:
'Laurar
mo answer.
IL called again, my voice echoing
strangely. The hour was late. Laura
was evidently asleep.
IL resumed my seat at tho desk, but
could not continue writing. My
thoughts were vague and scattered.
The mysterious touch upon the shoul-
der filled me with strange emotions.
What explanation was there for itp No
human hand had touched me. Had |
felt the impress of II spirit hand?
Ridiculous! | laughed outright nj the
idea. Mystiiicd. dissatisfied, closed
the desk, put ont the light and went
up to my bedroom.
Lighting lamp that stood on the
bureau. | looked at Laura. She lay in
sound sleep. her calm, sweet face part
ly avertcd. gently reused her. had
her sit up. assured my .clf that she was
thoroughly awake. and then asked:
Laura. have YOU been long aSlecpP'
"'Fully an hour she replied. look
ing at mo wonderingly. Has any
thing happened, GeorgeP
"'Are you sure there is nobody in
the house but ourselves continued.
"'Who could there be, GeorgeP Tell
me what has happened.
Seeing my puzzled expression. she
smiled. looked at mo quizzically, and
kissed me. | felt angry with myself
for having walked her, yet glad TO have
her sweet companionship.
"'Laura.' began. conscious that l
was about TO make a very foolish state
ment, i have just had an experience
that can not explain. You know
what my views are on the subject Of